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Reviews
La otra conquista (1998)
The untold story
La Otra Conquesta is the untold story of the Aztecs and Spaniards. The film is controversial and meaningful. The film perfectly grasps the universal theme of oppression; many cultures can relate. Most of the stories that are heard about this topic tell how the Indians and Spaniards got along and how the Indians willingly gave up their religion, but this film captures history in a different light. In this version, the Spaniards forcefully push their religion on the Indians as shown in a scene where the protagonist is whipped and burned until he believes in the Virgin Mary. The idea of being forced to believe in something we don't want to is not only scary (stripped of freedom) but also seems counter productive. Why would you believe in something that you are being negatively forced to believe in? This idea along with many others is what many people have taken away from the film. Some may not like the ending but I think the ending was perfect for showing the pride and love that Topiltzin had for his culture. He fought for it until the end.
Seppuku (1962)
A question in the Samurai culture
The film Harakiri directed by Masaki Kobayashi pulls at your emotions and your stomach. The beginning of the film can be a bit confusing if you don't pay close attention to what is going on. You are lead into a very teeth-clenching moment of watching a man (Motome) perform Harakiri with a bamboo sword in front of his peers. One of the most visually gruesome scenes I have seen in a film. While the scene is very graphic, it serves it's purpose in setting up the film for how meaningful the film is to Japanese, Samurai and just human nature in general. At the start of the film, we don't know much about this man behind the "disrespectful" bamboo sword but as the movie goes on, we learn more and more about Motome and the reason behind his flaws in following the strict Bushido Code. The film shows a Renoir-esc way of thinking; every man has his reasons for his choices and every man has a story. According to the Samurai culture, Motome was a disgrace to the name of Samurai and deserved little respect. Little did the Iyi clan know that Motome had good reason for the way he was. Along with the Renoir-esc message, there is a beautiful message of humanism and the problems with extreme power. It is shown how when people are in power, they often abuse it. By the end of the film, you will have a good idea of the Samurai culture, the good parts and the bad, and it makes you think again before quick judging someone.
Le fantôme de la liberté (1974)
A work of art that keeps you thinking
After watching The Phantom Liberty directed by Luis Bunel, I was shocked and surprised and didn't really know what to think. What and why questions were echoing in my head. Once I got through the shocked state of mind, I was able to let my mind ponder on the many ideas that were brought up in the film. Although presented in a very strange and artistic way, the messages were clear and relatable even though the film is going on 40 years old. The message of, "who are we to know what is right and wrong,' is prevalent through the whole movie. The Phantom Liberty is entertaining and will keep you guessing through the whole thing. It can be watched with careful eyes or you can just watch it for what it is, both ways are enjoyable. The film is visually pleasing while also having larger and deeper meanings hidden in the absurd scenarios. Treating serial killers like celebrities, suppression of children's voices, sexuality and what really is right or wrong is questioned in a comedic way that leaves the viewer puzzled but wanting more. What is to be loved about The Phantom Liberty is the way it makes you think for hours, or even days after you're finished watching it.